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The Social and Behavioral Sciences Association (SBSA) at Holy Family University

Letter tiles that spell out "Mental Health Matters"


Among the many amazing registered student organizations (RSOs) at Holy Family University are the dedicated group of students who form the Social and Behavioral Sciences Association (SBSA). Comprised of students from a variety of majors (e.g., Biology, Psychology, Criminal Justice), the SBSA members hold a variety of events and fundraisers all targeted at the broad goal of raising awareness about the power of mental health in the Holy Family community and beyond. In fact, their hard work has garnered them the prestigious Core Value RSO Award in 2023 and 2024, as well as the Student Leadership Association’s Social Program of the Year award in 2024!

The main topic the SBSA members have chosen to focus on is suicide awareness and prevention. Each year, the club teams up with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to hold an Out of the Darkness walk on campus (you can check out the walks from 2021 and 2024 here!). During the semester, club members hold various fundraisers (t-shirts, stickers, baked goods) to raise money for the AFSP, culminating in the April walk. They also held a campaign (in conjunction with a local shelter) to write cards and collect donations for people who have experienced domestic violence.

In addition to their work within the community, the SBSA also strives to promote positive mental health on campus as well. Through initiatives such as the “Smile, someone could use it” campaign, hosting trauma-informed yoga sessions, and creating free self-care toolkits for students, the student members serve as a powerful force for good on campus. And let’s not forget the bi-annual De-stress with Service Dogs event held each semester during finals where the SBSA brings the therapy dogs of Angels on a Leash to campus to allow the whole Holy Family community to experience the relaxing joys of puppy love!

This year’s Out of the Darkness walk is scheduled for April 19, 2025 - registration begins at 9 AM and the walk begins at 10 AM. See here to donate or register!

Questions? Want to get involved? The students can be reached at SBSA@holyfamily.edu (you can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram!)

Jill Swirsky
Assistant Professor

Psychology | School of Arts & Sciences

Jill Swirsky headshot.

Dr. Jill Swirsky is a psychologist with a diverse array of experiences and interests. She earned dual undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Gender Studies from Drew University, but always knew she wanted to pursue advanced study in Psychology. After working in the field for a few years as a BCaBA and research assistant, she earned her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Temple University.

Dr. Swirsky is currently pursuing a few distinct lines of research: 1) adolescent social development (e.g., bullying, victimization, social media, popularity); 2) feminism and gender roles (e.g., women's marital name choices); and 3) using popular culture to teach about psychology. She teaches several of the department's developmental courses (e.g., Child Development, Adolescent Development, Family Violence), as well as other courses in the major (e.g., the Psychology of Popular Culture, Introduction to Psychology, and Senior Seminar). She enjoys getting involved with student life, including advising clubs, mentoring honors students, and attending events on campus. 

In her (admittedly limited!) free time, Dr. Swirsky loves binge watching Netflix with her partner, Mike; reading fantasy novels; baking muffins; and swimming with otters.